tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977193565107133050.post2028167368282489984..comments2023-09-01T05:14:05.438-07:00Comments on The Inkblot: Technological Treatments: Can Computer Programs Cure Phobias?IChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338966004495881375noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977193565107133050.post-28998135105230814112007-10-23T01:12:00.000-07:002007-10-23T01:12:00.000-07:00This is such an interesting topic that I probably ...This is such an interesting topic that I probably would have never heard of if it weren’t for your blog entry, and I thank you for bringing an innovative topic up for discussion. What I really liked about this post especially was that, even as a person who was completely unfamiliar with the topic at hand, the language you used and the way you made your argument was not lost on me. You write not only for your peers in your own field, but for others who may not be familiar with your career area, and that is very commendable. I also think that your choice in graphics is very effective, and that they further illustrate your points made in writing well. <BR/><BR/>I’d say, as far as the topic, I would definitely agree with what you are arguing. I do not ever see computer therapy replacing face-to-face interaction with a therapist. To me, the whole basis of therapy is that the patient is talking to someone in person, out loud, about his or her feelings and problems. A computer cannot talk back to a person or respond to her emotions, therefore, would be, in my opinion, useless as a form a therapeutic treatment. You did an excellent job arguing your opinions and thoughts in your writing, and it was very well done and a pleasure to read.<BR/><BR/>My only very minor critique is that you don’t make reference in writing to your first 2 images in the post (such as giving a short description and saying “as seen in the graphic…”). I believe doing this would make your images even more effective than they already are. But really, a great post overall.AMChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14565350266700094454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977193565107133050.post-21358025695448360872007-10-11T14:47:00.000-07:002007-10-11T14:47:00.000-07:00Dear IC- This is a very interesting post, I have n...Dear IC- This is a very interesting post, I have never heard of computers being used to battle different phobias. Where did the idea of using computers to help phobia patients derive from? “People suffering from phobias are not the only ones encouraged to use FearFighter. Those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and sleep disorder are all urged to use the program as well.” It is great how the treatments are spreading out to a wider audience of people. I have worked with children that have severe to moderate disabilities and computers are used on a regular basis to help treat their symptoms. For example, computer games that require touching different objects with sensors on them help children that are tactile defensive. So although you say in no “…way be used to replace real therapy conducted with a therapist because patients may miss out on other valuable components of therapy,” I do think that different computer programs can be a great too and resource for patients to use on their own. <BR/><BR/>This is a very entertaining post and would love to hear about how successful the programs have been for patients. Is there any evidence available on the success rate? Also, how much does it cost to subscribe to a program like FearFighter? Is it free? Or must a patient have a prescription for a therapist to fully access the website? <BR/><BR/>One minor critique would be in the fourth paragraph when you say, “Someone who is afraid of spiders, for example, might start off by looking at a picture of a spider (see image above)…” the image is more to the left of the sentence. I enjoyed the pictures and I thought they were very relative to your post. <BR/><BR/>You wrote an excellent and informative post about a topic that is not well known.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05254741990396932656noreply@blogger.com